Mark: Under me, n’assembly sent unspent N7bn to Yar’Adua

Breaking his silence over demands for the opening of the national assembly budget, David Mark, immediate past president of the senate, has said the legislature under him was so transparent and patriotic that it was the first arm of government to return the sum of N7 billion to the president.

In a statement released on Monday, Mark stated that there was no secrecy in the affairs of the national assembly,  insisting that parliamentary practices and procedures dictate that all issues are carried out in the open.

He dismissed allegations that the budget of the parliament was shrouded in secrecy as “deliberate mischief, blackmail or outright ignorance”.

“How can anyone claim that the national assembly budget is secret? Or that our earnings are secret. The national assembly budget is part and parcel of the federal budget. It is not a separate document. If any body is in doubt, he or she should get a copy of the national budget and clarify . It is a public document,” Mark said.

“Every time, you hear people talk about national assembly budget as if it is independent of the federal budget. For heaven’s sake, the national assembly budget is an open  document.  It is a public document. Unless you are saying you have never seen the national budget.

“The national assembly budget is in the open. Anybody can access it . We don’t fix our salaries. Appropriate federal government agency does. What we earn is open.  I think we should put an end to this cheap blackmail .

“It is sad and ridiculous when people give impression that the national assembly budget has continued to be increased annually. This is not correct. It is unwarranted and needless accusation.

“I make bold to say that the national assembly under my leadership was bold, courageous, steadfast and truly patriotic. We stood on the side of the people, the  truth , transparency and above all in  the interest of the nation.

“We were the first to make cut  in our 2015 budget. People should appreciate what we are doing. We tightened our belts more than any other ministry or parastatal today. I can put my hand on my chest without fear of contradiction to say we made a lot of sacrifices in our budgetary systems.”

The former senate president cautioned citizens against reducing critical national matters to politics, emphasising that “people should not play politics with serious national issues like appropriations”.

“With every sense of responsibility, in 2008, the national assembly under my leadership was the first arm of government to return the sum of N7 billion unspent fund to the national treasury during late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua’s administration. Some people would have done otherwise,” he said.

“I remain a patriotic and committed pan-Nigerian ever determined to do my utmost best to improve the lots of my country men and women”.